Why the practice of Ahimsa (non-violence) and Satya (truthfulness) resonates. Superb presentation by Niroga senior faculty who has even taught at San Quentin prison system – my jaws dropping with utter awe …and now dealing with mixed feelings. Those who take it upon themselves to teach yoga to this underserved population are heroes.
Part of the program for the Yoga for Youth module dealt with … something really big and what small ways one can make a difference – such as in signing up for Yoga Corps (as in Peace Corps) to bring about Transformational Life Skills and Dynamic Mindfulness (basically yoga but in non-yoga speak) practice in snippets to some young people who stands to gain from such skills to better regulate emotions (of anger and fear) and deal with life’s curve balls by scaffolding need for resilience , teaching them to be non-reactionary but empathetic, more compassionate beings of non-violence. Quite a tall order but … they are doing it.
I have to be honest – my skin is too thin and seeing these disturbing facts made me want to go jump on that flight back to Japan … but I know, there are many facets of America and yes, there’s a lot of white privilege blind spots (and the opposite was the sense of guilt among the privileged …some feeling physical ill even) but at the same time, there are many beautiful generous souls who are here to do good. America is complex and full of issues but … it’s also beautiful and filled with beautiful people.
It is time, though that it may do some good to not be in your own little parochial mindset of a “bubble” and reconnect with the rest of the world while cleaning house. Yes, I have come back to a bit of a mess that needs some work – and work starts from within first. Mess happens when one is absent for a period of time …
Being present on and off the mat is my intention this week. Back to teaching and subbing (thank you to those who covered for me while in Asia).
Hope to meetup in the confluence of our existence as I begin my work again.
